124 - 4 , 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
December 14, 
FARMERS’ CLUB 
[ Every query must be accompanied, by the 
name and address of the writer to insure 
attention. Before asking a question, please see 
whether it is not answered in our advertising 
columns. Ask only a few questions at one time. 
Pub questions on a separate piece of paper.! 
RAIN WATER FOR DRINKING. 
C. M. W., Port Jeflersvn, N. Y. —When in 
the house cistern good, pure, clean spring 
water has been mixed with good, pure, 
clean rain water, is there any reason why 
the mixture should not be used for drink¬ 
ing purposes? 
Ans. —Of all potable waters ordinarily 
available for domestic use, uncontami¬ 
nated rain water is likely to be the 
purest, though even this cannot be said 
to be absolutely pure, since in falling it 
carries down from the air certain am- 
moniacal salts and nitrous and nitric 
acid in small amounts, together with 
other impurities varying in quantity and 
kind with the purity of the air through 
which it passes, that over cities and 
towns being, naturally, more highly 
charged with soot, gases, etc., than that 
of the open country. Aside from wash¬ 
ing the air which it passes through, rain 
water also becomes contaminated from 
the surfaces upon which it falls, and 
when collected from a house roof it may 
be fouled by decaying leaves, bird drop- 
jffngs, the dust of the streets, and even 
lead from the coatings of nioes and zinc 
from zinc roofs. The chances of water 
becoming fouled after it has been stored 
in cisterns or tanks are also great, and 
every precaution should be taken to 
guard against this if such water is made 
the source of the domestic supply. With 
due care to switch off the first water 
falling in a shower until the roofs have 
been cleansed, and proper vigilance to 
see that it does not subsequently become 
contaminated, there is no reason why 
rain water should not be used for drink¬ 
ing purposes, and, indeed, it may be far 
more wholesome than water from 
springs which, themselves, are frequently 
open to many sources of pollution. 
M. B. D. 
U. S. POTASH LANDS. 
L. T. G., So. Croton Falls, N. Y.— A few 
days since I was offered a share represent¬ 
ing 20 acres of potassium land in Nevada, 
stating that a Mr. So-and-So had taken up 
already 4,000 acres, and wanted to take up 
4,000 more, but he must get a name for 
every 20 acres. My share, or 20 acres, was 
to cost me nothing, and was non-assessable, 
Mr. So-and-So paying all expenses. He 
had g'ot 200 names on which to take up 
the 4.000 acres and wanted 200 more. Of 
Course, as it cost nothing most people 
would take it as a gift (but I did not). I 
had heard that President Taft was not will¬ 
ing that speculators and corporations 
should get hold of this land, which had 
been pronounced very valuable by Govern¬ 
ment experts, but have a large number of 
people profit by this rich land. It was 
represented to me that President Taft was 
very willing that this particular person, 
Mr. So-and-So, could have it in this way, as 
Mr. So-and-So would show his generosity 
for his aid. I believe the person who made 
me this offer was perfectly honest, but had 
been deceived by somebody else. If there 
is any . value in these potash mines, so- 
called, somebody is trying to get them 
away from the Government by a subter¬ 
fuge. I did not want to help somebody 
to steal from the Government, so I did not 
bite. Please state what there is in the 
matter. 
Ans. —You may safely conclude that 
“Mr. So-and-So” is a good man to let 
alone, so far as this potash land is con¬ 
cerned. It is not likely that any such 
scheme can be worked, for the govern¬ 
ment is watching these experiments in 
finding potash with great care, and the 
land will be held for the benefit of the 
people. Take our advice and let the 
whole thing alone, or any similar offer 
by “Mr. So-and-so,” or anybody else 
to profit by these land deals. For the 
past year the United States Geological 
Survey has been hunting here and 
there for potash deposits. They have 
found such deposits both east and west, 
but thus far none of them, with one ex¬ 
ception, seems to offer results of prac¬ 
tical value. A vein of potash ore has 
been found in Utah, which is fairly 
promising, but this is controlled, we 
understand, by a private company. A 
lake in California contains in its waters 
a strong solution of potash, but thus far 
no economical way of getting it out 
has been found. Potash has also been 
found in the thick liquor which comes 
from certain salt mines. There is con¬ 
siderable potash in certain kinds of sea¬ 
weed found on the Pacific Coast, but 
as with the case of the potash waters, 
no economical way of getting the pot¬ 
ash out has yet been discovered. Cer¬ 
tain lakes in western Nebraska also 
contain considerable potash in their 
waters. These are shallow lakes 
formed in basins between hills. During 
the dry season the water evaporates, 
leaving a shallow lake or pond, and 
this evaporated water is strong in pot¬ 
ash solution. Here again the problem 
comes up of finding an economical way 
of getting out this potash. In any 
event, there is nothing in this potash 
land or water to warrant an investment 
on the part of the average farmer, and 
we warn our readers not to believe in 
promises of great gain which may be 
made by interested parties. 
INDIANA FARM NOTES. 
Not in many year's, lias the Fall weather 
been so fine for gathering the corn crop. 
Most farmers are very enthusiastic, both 
because of the good weather and because 
of the excellent crop. The corn acreage 
is somewhat larger than usual. Machine 
husking is not practiced here to a very 
great extent, although the scarcity of hand 
buskers has compelled some of the larger 
growers to resort to machines this year. 
There is, however, still considerable corn 
in the field unhusked. The oats crop was 
also a heavy one this year and the acreage 
was above the normal one, as on account 
of the poor prospects of the wheat last 
Spring, about one-half of the wheatfields 
were sown into oats. These fields were 
sown late, however. Sowing oats on soil 
which lias been prepared the Fall before is 
a new idea here, but it has proven to be 
a good one, the oats yielding from 40 to 
70 bushels to the acre. The wheat is doing 
well. It was universally sown late, most 
farmers thinking that the early seeding 
would not be the best on account of the 
ily being more apt to damage the early 
sown wheat. Pasture fields are doing un¬ 
usually well, owing to the abundance of 
moisture stored in the ground from the 
bountiful rains which fell during August. 
Live stock of all kinds are doing well, and 
milch cows keep up the milk flow much 
better than is usual at this season. There 
are about the usual number of hogs feed¬ 
ing, but there have as yet been no reports 
of cholera. Public sales are quite numerous 
and stock of all kinds brings good prices. 
Milch cows are in greater demand than 
ever, grade Jerseys being the choice. It is 
found in a careful comparison of the vari¬ 
ous farm products that the dairy products, 
as compared with most of the others, have 
held their own quite well. The heavy crops 
of oats, hay and corn, and the various vege¬ 
tables, have depressed the prices of these 
crops to quite an extent, while butter has 
averaged about 32 cents per pound, and 
milk at the condensery has brought on the 
average $1.50 per hundred pounds. No 
doubt the abundant crops of hay, oats and 
corn, together with the good prices of dairy 
products, will make dairying a profitable 
business the coming Winter. D. L. 
Elkhart Co., Ind. 
The Rochester Thanksgiving Market. 
Turkeys, plenty ; home dressed, 25, 26, 28 
and 30 cents, good ones costing outside 
figure. Chicken and fowls, home dressed, 
18, 20 and 22 cents, fancy ones costing one 
to three cents more; ducks, home dressed, 
20 to 22 cents; geese, 19 to 20 cents. 
Boasting pigs, 15 to 17 cents; mutton, fore¬ 
quarter, 10 to 12% cents; hind quarter, 15 
to 18 cents. Pork, loin. 15 to 18 cents; 
rib roast beef, 16 to 22 cents ; cranberries, 
nine to 12 cents a pound. Mixed nuts, 15 
to 18 cents a pound ; grape fruit, 10 to 15 
cents and up. Oranges. 40 to 60 cents per 
dozen; apples, 40 to 75 cents per bushel; 
Potatoes, 65 to 75 cents; eggs, fresh-laid 
nearby, 60 cents; eggs, any old kind. 28 
cents up. Supplies are ample, but clean 
up promptly ; do not believe much poultry 
will he carried over. Potatoes are running 
better, also price is higher. Last week a 
car of live poultry was confiscated at pub¬ 
lic market, shipped from some Michigan 
point to Buffalo and reshipped to Rochester. 
Stock was overcrowded, had not been prop¬ 
erly fed and watered, and many birds were 
dead on arrival. I doubt if eggs have ever 
been as scarce and high for strictly fresh 
ones as they are to-day. Best dairy butter 
commands 33 to 35 cents per pound; no 
surplus stock. I notice that oleomargarin’ 
is being advertised more than ever. Look 
out for a big fight in Congress this Winter 
over reducing or removing the tax, and thus 
making it a much stronger competitor for 
butter. Just don't forget that the dairy and 
stock growers are going to have the fight of 
their lives. c. i. 
Rochester, N. Y. 
Christmas Greens. —- Early reports 
showed a slow demand for bouquet green, 
and a full crop, but it was expected that the 
early consignments would all be cleared up 
by the middle of December. Holly is well 
berried, but the first shipments were not 
as glossy as they will be later. A rumor 
that Delaware holly was to be quarantined 
by the Government caused some alarm, but 
tins report was untrue. About December 1 
fancy holly was offered at $3 to $4 a case; 
arbor vitae clippings five to 12 inches long, 
and White pine clippings, same length, $2 
per case of 100 pounds; ferns, of fancy 
and dagger, 65 cents to $1.50 per 1,000; 
Galax leaves, 50 cents to $1.25 per 1,000; 
wild Southern smilax, $2.50 to $5 per case; 
boxwood sprays. 20 cents a pound; Leu- 
cothoe sprays, $1 to $2 per 1,000 ; 14-inch 
holly wreaths, $10 per 100. A new deco¬ 
rating material, called desert holly, is of¬ 
fered by Western dealers; it is described as 
having waxen white leaves and stems with 
small red berry, and is sold for $5 a crate 
2x2x2% feet. 
FUR LINED OVERCOATS 
Manufacturer’s Samples; Gentlemen’s black broadcloth 
Overcoats lined throughout with Australian Mink; 
large Persian Lamb Collars. Sizes 36 to 48, $30 each. 
These coats have never been worn. Similar garments 
not used as samples, retail at $75. Also few large 
size Fur Robes, plush lined, $15 each. All guaran¬ 
teed new. Sent by express with privilege of examin¬ 
ation before paying. Remit only express charges. 
E. ROBERTS, Room 24, 1GO Most 119th Street, New York 
Alfalfa Hay 
THE WONDERFUL, MILK-PRODUCING FEED. 
BRIDGE 8 SOUTER, Pioneer Shippers, Canastota, N. Y. 
First-Class FRUIT TREES 
FOR FALL PLANTING. Propagated from 
trees of known merit. True to name. No scale. 
SAMUEL FRASER, Box C. Geneseo, N. Y. 
Give your plants all 
the sun 
You can do so by simply using the SUNLIGHT DOUBLE- 
GLASS SASHES .on your hot-beds and eold-t rames. A 
®B-inch layer of dry air between the layers of glass 
affords ample protection. No mats or other cover¬ 
ing ever needed. 
They let in all the light and all the heat that the 
sun's rays carry. But they never permit the stored 
heat to escape or the outside cold to enter. 
With these sash half the labor and cost are saved; 
and far better and earlier plants secured. They give 
you flowers and vegetables when they are luxuries. 
Many Thousands Giving Perfect Service 
Get These Two Books 
One ts our FREE Catalogue; the other is Prof. 
Massey’s Hand-Book of Cold-, 
frames and Hot-beds, sent for 
4 cents in stamps. 
Sunlight Double 
Glass Sash Co. 
924 Broadway, Lonitville, Kj. 
Bills in Half 
60 Days 
toTr VH§ 
BEATS 
The Best 
Engine You Ever Saw 
—because it’s the first quality engine of 
the land. The Witte is conceded the best 
engine in America. Made by E. H. Witte, 
master builder for 25 years. Ask Witte 
users. Any size from 1)4 to 40 horse¬ 
power—all tested to ten per cent over¬ 
load. 61 special advantages. 
And You Now Pay Only 
Wholesale Price 
We cut out dealers—give you their 
profit. Also give you full benefit of our 
natural gas well. No power expense— 
testing, heating, lighting fuel, all free. 
Take a 60 day trial. Five year guar¬ 
antee. Write for book, “How to Judge a 
Gasoline Engine”, and complete catalog. 
Our wholesale factory prices will interest 
you mightily. Write NOW, telling ns 
size engine you need. 
[ NO MORE WET OR COLD FEET! Ij 
Try a Pair of our famous (Health Brand) 
FELT-LINED CLOGS 
as illustration, leather tops, 
wooden soles. lined felt, 
Mens or Women, 
ONLY $1.60 
Express pre¬ 
paid to your 
home, on re- 
ceiptof money 
order or cash 
(no checks) 
Higher 3 buckles.$ 2.25 
High legged Wellingtons $2.75 & 3.25 
Childrens Lace Ts to 2*8 . . 1.25 
The Buffalo Felt-Lined Clog Store 
Dept. E, 403 Broadway, Buffalo. N. Y. 
Roses, Plants, Seeds, 
Bulbs,Vines, 
Shrubs, etc., 
by mail, post¬ 
paid. Sate ar¬ 
rival and satis¬ 
faction guaran¬ 
teed. 5# years 
of fair dealing. 
Hundreds of 
carloads of 
Fruit and 
Ornamental 
Trees. 1,200 
aeres, f!0 in hardy roses—none better grown. 47 
greenhouses of Palms, Ferns, Begonias, Gera¬ 
niums. etc. Immense stock of Superb C’annas, 
the queen of bedding plants. Large assortment 
of hardy Perennial Plants, which last for years. 
Choice Peach Trees 
FOR EARLY BUYERS 
In all onr 30 years’ successful experience our 
peach treeshavenevorbeen of such extra fine 
quality as this season. Straight, smooth and 
fnll of vigor, no hotter can be found any¬ 
where. We supply many of the largest and 
most successful growers. We are making 
special inducements for early orders. Ali 
the trees which come from onr extensive 
nurseries are guaranteed of the highest 
quality, true to name, hardy, disease-free 
and carefully packed. 
Send for our large Catalog and list of spe¬ 
cial offerings. Write today—get first pick. 
Barnes Bros. Nursery Co., va^vnie, conn 
“BLACK’S QUALITY’’ 
FRUIT TREES 
NONE BETTER 
None Give Better Returns when They Fruit 
Buy Direct From the Nursery 
and save agent’s discounts and middleman’s 
profits. When you buy our trees you get a 
Dollar’s Worth of Trees 
for every one hundred cents you remit to us. 
PEACH and APPLE TREES 
a specialty. CATALOGUE FREE 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON & CO. 
H1GHTSTOWN. N. J. 
168-Page Catalog FREE, Semi for It Today. 
The Starrs & Harrison Co., Box 54 Patnesville, Ohio 
KING’S 
Apples 8c-, Cherries 4e. 
Our frre bulletin tells you a ti about 
the'* nursery business. EM, f878 . 
Kino Bros. Nurseries, OansviMe, N. Y. 
Before Buying Berry Plants 
get a copy ol Allen’s Big 1913 Catalog. 
Will Save You Money. Describes 
ALLEN’S berries, small fruits, aspara¬ 
gus, privet, shrubs. Standard varieties, 
any quantity. Stock guaranteed vigor¬ 
ous and true to name. In business 28 
years. Write TODAY for Catalog. It’s 
FKKB. W. F. AL1TN 
7 1 Market St. Salisbury, Md. 
WEATHER COTTAGES 
sometimes known as the “Swiss Barometer’’ is very sensitive to 
changes in the atmosphere. It is so adjusted that with the approach 
of fair weather the male figure is drawn back into the house, and the 
female figure carried out, but an approaching storm reverses the position 
of figures, the male coming outside and the female going in. They are 
made in different styles and sizes, out of fancy wood with thermometer. 
$1.00, $2.00, $3.00 
Ernest 
'rice, 
MONEY BACK IF NOT SATISFACTORY 
G-rieL>el, Carbondale, 
Pa. 
Let Me This Great Implementr 
Send You JCT C ET 
Write MeTonight 
A letter or postal brings the greatest money saving oppor¬ 
tunity ever offered. 1 will tell you how to get the famous Detroit- 
American Farm Implements at factory prices. Your own lime, 
to pay, 30 days free trial, without a cent of expense to 
you, freight paid. 
The Famous Detroit-America 
Tongueless Bisc Harrow 
The best you can buy at any price, now 
ollered on the easiest terras tn the worlds 
and at only a fraction of trust prices. A/ 
For-all time Guarantee protects you. 
Manure Spreaders 
and Cultivators 
Prices 
Smashed! 
Lower even than wlioie- 
,sa)e. Direct from fae- 
torres to you. 
Dob t delay 
getting my 
bur special 
i\ ofler. 
X 
This 
oSok FREE 
at proportionate low t 
prices and long,easy! 
payment terras. Big | 
catalog full of In¬ 
teresting. money 
making tarm informa-\, 
tion, yours for the \ 
asking. Write me now. _ 
FRED C. ANDREWS, Gen. Mgr. American Harrow Co. 
